For Gamblers

Gambling is fun for some, but about 2 % of the population* find it becomes a problem. People gamble for fun, for excitement, because they feel they're good at it (despite the evidence), because they believe they can make money, to escape from problems, for social contact, and many other reasons. There was "beginners luck" for many problem gamblers, but this may be due to people who were "Unlucky" at the start realizing that there are many better ways to spend money than gambling. Most long term gamblers will acknowledge that you never really win, you just get a little bit of your money back now and again. Many gamblers will have had problematic childhood or life-course experiences, but certainly not all. Many will have resorted to crime, but not all. Some may have a family history of addiction, but not all.

Most gamblers will admit that its not really about the money. After all - if it was about the money we'd stop when we won. Its mainly about the buzz. the "sweat" between stake and outcome - during which there is a glimmer of hope (often just the hope of getting out of the hole that gambling put you in, or more realistically the hope of getting to continue to gamble)

You can't tell a gambler from other people, because they are just like other people.

There are studies which show links to genetics, brain chemistry, shame and guilt, and there are environmental factors which will certainly make it more likely that gambling will become a problem, such as having a big win or being close to someone who does. IT COULD BE YOU (but it probably won't be you who wins).

Very few people can continue gambling safely after they have ever had a problem with it. I'm not going to try to help you control your gambling as I believe its a waste of my time and your money.

Change is possible when you want to make it happen, but is less of a struggle with help